A rare case of papillary fibroelastoma involving the tricuspid valve. A single center experience over a period of 22 years (1999–2021)

Abstract

Background and aim

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) represents only 16% of the benign cardiac tumor and approximately 15% of these are located on the tricuspid valve.

Materials and methods

Over a period of 22 years (1999–2021) we observed 75 pts with cardiac tumors at our Center over 9650 pts operated on but only one case of a tricuspid valve PFE in a 69-year-old patient. Trans-thoracic echocardiography demonstrated a mobile mass (20 × 10 mm), adhering to the atrial side of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve of unknown origin. In consideration of the mobility of the mass and the consequent high embolic risk, surgical removal was made. The patient underwent surgery through a median sternotomy on CPBP. A ‘gelatinous’ mass adhering to the tricuspid leaflet was found and completely removed. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological diagnosis was PFE.

Conclusions

PFEs of the tricuspid valve are rare entities being in most cases found incidentally. In our experience, the incidence of this tumor in this location is 1/10,000 cases of cardiac surgery. Although most patients are asymptomatic, surgical treatment is nevertheless recommended in consideration of the high embolic risk.

Keywords:

• Papillary fibroelastoma
• cardiac tumor
• cardiac surgery
• tricuspid valve surgery
• tricuspid repair

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article and its supplementary materials.